Over the river and through the woods (or to the airport and onto the plane) to grandmother’s house we go! For those brave enough to venture outside into the chill this Thanksgiving weekend, we’ve found a couple of great outdoor events (as well as a few indoor activities for the less intrepid). So bundle up for this week’s edition of Picks of the Week. Here’s wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 28-Monday, December 2
Kid Stuff Film Series
BAM Rose Cinemas
Various times
Let’s all go to the movies! Head over to Brooklyn this holiday weekend for BAMcinématek’s Kid Stuff Film series. Grab the popcorn and settle in for this family-friendly movie series featuring five films with children protagonists. Films include “The Spirit of the Beehive,” “The River,” “Kes,” and the Italian classic “The Bicycle Thief.” Films may not be suitable for kids ages 13 and under. Tickets are $13.
Thursday, November 28
The 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Begins at 77th Street & Central Park West
9 am-12 pm
The granddaddy of all parades is back! Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade must be seen (at least once) in-person. There’s nothing quite like taking in the floats, marching bands, and, of course, balloons while they glide by within feet of you. New balloons to look out for are Toothless from “How To Train Your Dragon” and Finn & Jake from Cartoon Network’s “Adventure Time.” This year’s musical performers include Austin Mahone, Gavin DeGraw, Kristin Chenoweth, Debby Ryan, and others. For our parade viewing tips, click here.
Friday, November 29
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
South Street Seaport
6 pm
One of the first of the season, South Street Seaport’s 30th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is unique in that it marks the opening of the Seaport’s brand-new outdoor ice skating rink. There will be live performances from Swingadelic, Nicole Atkins, Lesley Gore, and Dave Heenan. Plus, don’t miss a special visit from Santa Claus! Tree Lighting is free. Ice skating rink admission is $10; children under 5 are free. Skate rental is $6.
Friday, November 29-Saturday, November 30
“The Polar Express” in IMAX
Liberty Science Center
6:15 pm
The IMAX Dome Theater at Liberty Science Center will be showing 2004’s hit holiday film “The Polar Express” for a limited time only. Featuring the voice of Tom Hanks and based on the award-winning children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” tells the story of a boy’s magical train ride to the North Pole. Viewing the movie on the enormous dome-shaped IMAX screen will be an experience the kids won’t soon forget. Tickets are $8.50 for children ages 2-12 and $11.25 for adults.
Saturday, November 30
Keith Michael’s “The Nutcracker”
Tarrytown Music Hall
3 pm
The New York Theatre Ballet will present Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker at the Tarrytown Music Hall this Saturday. Specifically designed for children, this one-hour ballet performance combines the excitement of live dance with the easy-to-follow plot of one of the most beloved holiday tales of all time. Tickets are $35.
